INVASION OF ITALY

Grey River Argus, 3 June 1943, Page 5

INVASION OF ITALY

Allied Barges Ready AXIS PREPARATIONS. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, June 1. The British United Press Stockholm correspondent, quoting a German newspaper, says that great numbers of invasion barges are concentrated at Allied ports in the Mediterranean. The barges reached Gibraltar early last month, during the final stages of the Tunisian campaign, and since then have been steadily moved eastwards. One hundred ot Italy’s most modern locomotives nave been used in the transport of “hying divisions” to the south to meet the Allied invasion which the Rome rauio says is near. The Berlin radio announced that the Chief of the Italian General Stall', General Ezio Rossi, has been recalled and replaced by General Mario Roatta. General Rossi has been appointed to command an army' group. General Guzzioni ha’s also been appointed commander of an army group. General Roatta was the tor* mer Chief-of-Staff until replaced in January, 1942, by General Ambrosio. A small number of enemy aircraft crossed the Malta' coast last night. A few bombs were dropped but there were no combats. The Berne correspondent or the “New York Times” stated: Axis assertions of the impregnability of the European fortress contain a large measure of bluff. Germans have been working hard on the Atlantic coast, but the strength of the defences is far short of that claimed m propaganda The condition of the fortifications on the Mediterranean coast and France brings smiles to the lips of technicians. The Italians devised a general plan which remains sketchy. Some of their lines are described as trenches of the 1914 type. Significantly, von Rundstedt, Commander of the Western Defences, established headquarters in Southern France, where he can watch the Italian zone, the occupation of which is now threatened by the developments in Africa. The truth seems to be that the Axis attached insufficient importance to the aerial menace when it planned the fortress, for it then enjoyed un-i doubted mastery. Now that the tables are turned, some of the defences might prove virtually useless in mass attacks from the air.

Rush of Refugees FROM FIVE ITALIAN CITIES. LONDON, June 1. The “Daily Express” Stockholm correspondent stated: The roads leading from the bomb-damaged Italian cities of Naples, Milan, Turin Palermo and Messina are choked witn refugees. The refugee scenes are reminiscent of those in Erance alter the German break-through on the Marne in 1940. Neutral travellers report that the Italian transport system has broken down under the rush for safetv, and is in a' state of utter chaos. The number of early, morning travellers at the Milan central station increased from 9,000 to 20 000 daily. An acute shortage of locomotives added to the transport difficulties.

Foggia Blitzed Again

22 GROUNDED PLANES DESTROYED. LONDON, June 1. ' An Allied North Africa communique says: “Yesterday the Northwest African Air Force continued its offensive against Italy and island bases. Fortresses attacked Loggia airfield, and military: buildings were well covered with bombs and fires were started in the railway marshalling yards. At least 25 JU 88’s caught on an airfield were set on fire. Lightnings attacked communications in Sardinia. Hits were observed on dock installations, a power station, and barrack buildings. Medium and fighter bombers attacked Pantella'ria. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed in combat and reports show that an additional one was destroyed on Sunday. Two of our planes are missing. Flying unescorted 400 miles across land and sea, Fortress bombers for the third time in 96 hours, attacked Foggia, which is not only a big Italian aviation base, but a vital communications centre. Sweeping over the aerodrome, the Fortresses destroyed a number of planes, chiefly JU 88’s. One pilot said: We left the aerodrome littered with wrecked, flaming machines. The Americans were amused later when told that New York’s Mayor, Mr. La Guardia, was among the airmen trained at Foggia in the last war. An Italian communique admits the raid caused considerable damage. Twenty-seven were killed and 33 injured. OTHER ITALIAN BASES RAIDED. ""LONDON, June 1. On Monday Allied planes raided Augusta, Pantellaria, and Cagliari. The annual report of the Mat Works, of Turin, admits that the R.A.F. raids against Turin forced tne dispersal of workshops. The report quoted by! the Berlin radio says: “During air raids and tne resulting decentralisation of the Fiatworkshops the staff gave proof of high discipline. The annual profit sank to 38 000,000 lira, compared with 59,000,000 lira' in the previous year. However, the firm is still paying it) per cent, from profits made in earlier years.” It is officially announced at Algiers that 337 enemy, planes were shot down in combat in May. The Allies lost 108.